Artifacts: When does it help to cry in New Hampshire?

HNN, 1-9-08

As Hillary Clinton's tearful moment becomes historical and political legend, it is worth remembering the famous or infamous moment in the 1972 campaign, when Edmund Muskie cried - -or wiped ice and snow from his eyes -- as he defended his wife's honor. His campaign crashed after that and this supposed moment of weakness was blamed. Of course, in the intervening 36 years, it's become far more acceptable for men to cry in our culture. Still, Hillary's tear-stained rise and Muskie's tear-stained fall raise fascinating questions about gender expectations, leadership models, and how much vulnerability we want to see in leaders, if they are male -- or female.